Britain discovers Covid-19 mutation
Britain’s battle against coronavirus was dealt an unexpected blow yesterday as it emerged a mutation of the virus had been identified in Kent, and may be partly responsible for alarming rises in case numbers in the South. After last week’s mood of jubilation when the vaccination programme was rolled out, the discovery of a new, potentially aggressive variant, came as a stark reminder that this disease is not beaten yet.
How dangerous is the mutation?
Government scientists are studying it at laboratories in Porton Down but there is no evidence to suggest it is more likely to lead to serious illness. However, it may spread quicker and infect more people.
How was it picked up?
Scientists have been carrying out genetic analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and spotted the new mutation. The Covid-19 Genomics UK (Cog-UK) consortium tracks new genetic variants as they spread and investigates whether these changes lead to detectable changes in the behaviour of the virus or the severity of Covid-19 infections.
How many cases have been found and where are they?
More than 1000 cases have been found in 60 local authorities, predominantly in the south of England.
Is this the first mutation found? No. Coronaviruses mutate frequently and in March, scientists had already discovered the virus has evolved into two major lineages — dubbed ‘L’ and ‘S’ types. The older ‘S-type’ appeared to be milder and less infectious, while the ‘L-type’, which emerged later, spread quickly and by the spring accounted for around 70 per cent of cases. Another variant — D614G — has also been detected in Western Europe, and North America, which although spreads more easily does not cause greater illness. A worrying mutation, dubbed ‘Cluster 5’ was found in mink farms in Denmark leading to a cull of 17 million animals.
Could it hamper a vaccine?
Possibly. Most coronavirus vaccines are targeting the Spike Protein, which the virus uses to latch on to human cells. The vaccines prime the body to be able to spot the spike protein so the immune system can spot the virus. However, if the spike protein mutates, the body will no longer be able to recognise the virus and vaccines may prove ineffective. However, Matt Hancock yesterday said it was “highly unlikely” that the new variant will impinge on the vaccine.
Are the experts worried?
Most scientists are downplaying this development as most mutations found so far have not proved more deadly. Some variants actually prove to be less aggressive and many die out. In November, scientists at University College London published research showing that there has not been a mutation so far that has increased transmissibility.